Protecting Tessa (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Brotherhood Alliance #6)

Chapter 25

25

T he opening was in full swing, and Tessa couldn’t be happier. Every detail was going according to her plan, just as she envisioned it. Ford was mingling with customers. The customers were thrilled with the demonstrations, and the cash register was ringing. GearUp was off to a successful start.

She moved around the shop, stopping to help a little girl decide which color to use for the bear in her coloring book. Tessa’s preference was black or brown—realistic—but the little girl wanted pink—a garish, bright pink—so pink it was. It didn’t matter. The girl’s parents were close by and delighted that there were kids’ activities. She noticed a large shopping bag filled with fishing gear in the man’s hand. It was perfect. Happy kids meant happy parents who lingered, and lingering parents led to sales. It was a win-win.

Glancing around the room, Tessa noticed Ford and Chase talking and laughing in the corner. Her heart filled with joy. Ford was coming out of his shell and definitely warming up to his teammates. The men and their girlfriends were in and out of the shop, helping when they could.

“Why, hello there,” said a familiar voice.

Tessa turned and saw Simone standing a few feet away, dressed impeccably in a tailored pantsuit with a flowery silk top that probably cost half a year’s salary for Tessa.

“I thought you’d be behind this incredible opening.” She gestured expansively with her arms. “It has the Tessa touch written all over it.”

Tessa laughed, caught off guard. “Thank you. Although I’ve never heard it described as the ‘Tessa touch’ before.’”

“You have a gift,” Simone replied. “Any chance you can meet me for coffee next week? I want to get going on the couple of projects I mentioned to you.”

“Hmmm.” Tessa hesitated. “I don’t have my calendar with me. But I have your card, and I’ll call you after I check my schedule.”

“Perfect,” Simone murmured. “Well, I’ll let you go. I was in the area and saw the grand opening sign and couldn’t resist peeking in.” She lingered for a moment, then gracefully waved goodbye, disappearing into the crowd.

Tessa let out a slow breath. The woman was slick and polished, but there was an edge to her charm, and she wondered what truly drove Simone.

Shaking off the thought, she turned her attention to the shop and caught Ford’s questioning eyes locked on her.

For some reason, he was uncomfortable with Simone.

Was it justified?

Ford’s instincts were usually spot-on when it came to people.

Did he not trust Simone? There was no reason not to since he hadn’t met or talked to her before.

Tessa pushed down a flicker of unease and gave him a faint smile. Maybe Ford was just being protective, or maybe he sensed something she couldn’t see. Either way, the question lingered and was unanswered. She turned her focus to the shop and the crowd of people enjoying the opening.

Ford was in the middle of a conversation with Chase when he happened to glance over at Tessa.

Damn, that Simone woman was talking to her. How did she even find out about the opening, and why was she here?

He had a bad feeling about Simone. Something was off with her, but what?

However, Tessa was excited about the possibility of earning her own money doing something she loved. She deserved a chance at doing something she enjoyed, especially after all she’d been through.

Chase had a job he wanted Ford to take that would start in a few days and last a week, maybe a week and a half. He wondered if he could get Tessa to stay at the cabin on campus while he was gone. Titus was around during the day but not at night when she’d be alone.

Tessa caught his eye across the room, her brow furrowed as she cocked her head. He could see the tension building up. She must have realized he wasn’t happy about Simone talking to her. He gave her a brief nod and got a small smile in return.

“You okay, man? You seem upset,” Chase asked.

Ford rubbed the back of his neck as he looked over at Tessa once more. “It’s nothing, really.” He exhaled slowly. “Tessa has an opportunity to work with a new client that I’m concerned about.”

“What don’t you like about her?” asked Chase. “It sounds like a perfect opportunity for Tessa to showcase her talents.”

Ford glanced back at Tessa, who was chatting with a couple of customers. “This woman approached Tessa at the shelter event. I don’t know her, but I’m getting weird vibes from her.”

“Give Dex her name, and he can check her out,” Chase replied.

“Good idea. I’ll have him run a background check.”

Chase nodded, then leaned in a bit closer. “Why don’t you ask Tessa to stay at your cabin while you’re gone? She would be safer there, and you wouldn’t have to worry.”

Ford thought about it for a moment. “That’s what I’m hoping. It would make me more comfortable leaving Tessa.”

He hoped Tessa would take the suggestion for what it was, not that he didn’t trust her or was overprotective.

Oh, hell yeah. Who was he kidding? He was overprotective. She had to understand that.

“Now I just have to convince her it’s a good idea. Maybe Naomi and Joy can visit.”

Chase grinned. “They love Tessa. That shouldn’t be a problem.”

One problem was almost solved. Ford looked back at Tessa, who was laughing, looking so … normal. So happy.

But the one thing Ford learned in life was not to let his guard down.